Figurine with Selectable Audio and Visual Perception

ABSTRACT

A figurine and method of use is having selectable personalization includes a doll having a head and torso, also a base disposed adjacent to the head, the base including a surrounding sidewall extending from a bottom portion to an opening defining a first interior that receives a first selected indicia. Further, a transparent cover including an outer periphery that is removably engaged from the sidewall opening. The cover having a first side and second side forming a concave profile to define a second interior portion, with the second side adjacent to the base when the cover and base are engaged, wherein the first and second interior portions form a chamber for the first indicia to be protectively and securely displayed. The base and cover engagement prevents unauthorized removal of the first indicia from the chamber by requiring a tool to separate the base and the cover.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to figurines that have user selectable features for audio and visual perception to personalize the figurine to a particular individual. More particularly, the present invention is a figurine in the form of a doll that typically includes a theme in the dressing style of the doll, such as astrology for an example which can further customize the doll to a particular individual in addition to a custom recordable electronic audio module and a specific visual image that can be mounted in the dolls face, that enhances an individual's sensory perception in utilizing three of the five human senses from the doll for sight (in the dressing theme and visual image adjacent to the dolls face), sound (in the unique digital audio recording disposed within the doll), and feel (in holding the doll), resulting in an enhanced overall meaning of the doll to the particular individual.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There are many individuals who would benefit the most from a doll having unique specific features that are fitting to a particular individual such as someone in the military, nursing home, children, a special person, spouse, graduate, or even a special occasion and the like, with the doll being typically given as a gift and can either be preprogrammed with a specific audio message and/or visual image by the giver or the doll can be given to the recipient generically, thus allowing the recipient to program their own desired audio message and visual image to the doll. Thus, the doll of the present invention has enhanced meaning to either the owner of the doll or the recipient of the doll with the added sensory perceptions of audio and sight perception uniqueness. This has been partially recognized in the prior art starting with U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,841 to Becker et al., that discloses a customizable doll with interchangeable faces that are removably engaged to the doll head by way of a magnetic sheet having an adhesive on at least one surface for affixing the picture onto, wherein the magnetic sheet is removably engaged to the blank doll face. Becker et al., does suggest the use of a voice recording mechanism and nothing more as to any enabling specifics of the voice recording mechanism such type, the electronics involved, controls, power, positioning, recording times and the like, in addition, Becker et al., of necessity destroys the picture for any other use as adhesive is applied to the photograph making it non removable.

Continuing, in looking at the prior art in this area in U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,586 to Benner disclosed is a doll with a transparent envelope having a single opening at the top of the envelope wherein the doll has a hair piece that covers the envelope opening. The advantage of Benner is in not destroying the picture as does Becker et al., however, the picture only being loosely retained in the envelope slot and subject to dislodging from the envelope slot if the doll were inverted. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,224 to Gintling disclosed is a photographic face doll with a removable face pocket that is transparent on both sides and removably engagable to the doll face with an adhesive fastener that allows the face pocket to be reversed for two different pictures to be displayed, in addition the pocket is sealable to prevent the pictures from disengaging from the pocket. Thus, Gintling avoids the shortcomings of Becker et al., destroying the picture or of Benner potentially losing the picture should the doll be inverted. Next, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,584 to Perryman disclosed is a doll with interchangeable pre made faces each disposed within a plurality of head slip covers that are removably engagable by a closable hook and loop fastener slit that is vertically positioned at the rear of the head slip cover. The drawback of Perryman is in the need for the multitude of head slip covers adding bulk and cost in addition to the lack of personalization of the facial expression that Becker et al., Benner, and Gintling all accomplish through the use of an actual selected photograph of an individual.

Next, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,900 to Pearson disclosed in an educational doll with changeable face elements that are removably engagable from a blank doll face by the use of hook and loop fasteners. However, as in Perryman, Pearson lacks the ability to personalize the facial expression of the doll through the use of an actual selected photograph of an individual by the use of several generic facial expressions created in fabric that are not specific to any particular individual. Continuing, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,791 to Taylor disclosed is a replaceable photographic face doll wherein the replaceable face is inserted in the doll's bonnet that has an opening that circumvents the doll's facial opening, with the bonnet's peripheral edge receiving the picture by the use of an elasticized material. Problems with Taylor are in the lack of protection for the photo as it is simply retained on its outer edge where there is exposure to bending, liquids, abrasion, and the like that can result in a high potential for damage to the photo. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,266 to Frank et al., disclosed is a method of using a psychotherapeutic doll that has a plurality of interchangeable facial elements that are used to express a patient's emotional state in correspondence with a transparent pocket type backpack wherein an indicia is deposited within the pocket of a time in their life that relates to the emotional state projected onto the doll face. In Frank et al., the faces are attached to the doll head by the use of an elastic band, with the faces being already provided; see FIG. 3, thus true personalization is not really possible of the doll for the user, much the same as in Perryman and Pearson.

Next, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,466 to Catizone disclosed is a doll having a facial portion that includes a cut out opening using tape and a drawstring to enclose a photograph that is sandwiched in between a backing material on a back side and a transparent plate on an exposed side. Catizone doesn't really supply a photo protection system as the photo can slide around between the backing and the plate and with the plate being taped to the fabric cut out that makes the photo not easily changeable nor protected from liquids, folding, creasing, and tape adhesive, adding to the potential for damage to the photo, same as in Becker et al., and Taylor. Continuing, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,900 to Hodge disclosed is a photo doll that includes a displaceable panel having a predetermined fixed face and disposed underneath the panel is a series of photo holder leaves being similar to a wallet multiple photo holder that is attached to the doll body by a hook and loop fastener. The problem with Hodge is in the photo holder leaves such that when they are exposed, i.e. when the panel is removed the photos in the leaves are not retained meaning that they can slide out of their holders and be lost or damaged see FIGS. 3 and 4, causing problems similar to Benner as previously discussed. Next, in U.S. Design Pat. No. D466,565 to Borgaro et al., disclosed is a doll with a photographic face and template wherein the doll face and template has similar sizing as a matched set, however, as this is a design patent, there is no disclosure as to how the photo is retained or protected. Further, in U.S. design Pat. No. D437,123 to Leon disclosed is a figurine photograph holder, wherein the figurine has a flat round face portion for holding a photograph, and again as in Borgaro et al., there is no disclosure as to how the photo is retained or protected.

Yet further, in looking more towards the talking doll prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,336 to Diamond et al., disclosed is a doll that can have an audio output based upon an optical sensing of a selected marker placed in front of the doll thus indirectly enabling the doll to “read and speak” using technology similar to bar code scanning technology, wherein the selected word is coded as a series of scan lines that the doll circuitry can convert to audible sounds with the purpose being for educational learning. Further, in this area of prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,359 to Crump disclosed is a memorial novelty doll, wherein the doll is of a physical similarity to a person with the doll containing a voice tape recording means disposed within, with the primary purpose being to have a deceased person's voice play back within a doll that has a physical likeness to the deceased person. In looking at a sound module itself, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,327 to Tarlow et al., disclosed is a miniature sound module primarily for greeting cards that adds the re-recording feature thus allowing an individual to personalize a recording on the sound module. Continuing, in the talking doll arts in U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,561 to Pracas disclosed is a talking doll that utilizes a digital sound recording module that has as activation points remotely wired to various parts of the doll body, such that one doll hand is squeezed for recording, another doll hand is squeezed for playing back in addition to the combination of touching the doll's hand and leg for activation/deactivation of the voice module, also with an “on” light appearing as an earring on the doll. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,602 to Rose a talking doll is disclosed that is responsive to an external signal allowing a conversation with the doll by use of radio signals to activate the dolls programmed response.

What is needed is a doll that can be personalized to a particular individual eliciting responses from multiple human senses to enhance the experience to the possessor of the doll. This can be accomplished through customizable audio output of the doll in conjunction with a selected visual image for the doll face, wherein the picture is protected from the external environment, is not damaged at all in its transparent enclosure, and is only replaceable with a special tool to protect from inadvertent removal of the visual image from its protectable holder, however with the visual image not having any permanent damage from residing in its protectable holder. In addition, the doll can have an overall image or theme associated with it related to the doll's clothing that can further personalize the doll's affiliation with a particular individual by pleasurably stimulating the senses of sight, sound, and touch.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention is a figurine that is capable of selectable personalization that includes a doll having a head portion and a torso portion, further included in the figurine is a substantially rigid base that is disposed adjacent to the head portion, the base including a surrounding sidewall extending from a bottom portion to an opening. The bottom portion and sidewall of the base defining a first interior portion that is sized and configured to receive a first substantially planar selected indicia. Also included in the figurine is a substantially rigid transparent cover including an outer peripheral portion that is adapted to be removably engaged from the sidewall opening. The cover having a first side and a second side, the second side forming a substantially concave profile to define a second interior portion, with the second side adjacent to the base when the outer peripheral portion and the opening are manually engaged. The manual engagement forming an assembled and locked state for the base and cover, wherein the first interior portion and the second interior portion form a substantially rigid chamber for the first planar selected indicia to be substantially protectively and securely displayed within the substantially rigid chamber. The substantially rigid chamber is sized and configured such that the first selected indicia does not have to be attached to the base or the cover to help prevent damage to the selected indicia. As the removable engagement between the base opening and the cover peripheral portion is operational to prevent unauthorized removal of the selected first indicia from the substantially rigid chamber by requiring an independent tool to separate the base and the cover into a disassembled unlocked state to remove or replace the first selected indicia to further enhance security of the assembled state.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the figurine with a second selected indicia having specific astrological indications;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the figurine with the second selected indicia having specific astrological indications;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the figurine with a second selected indicia without specific astrological indications;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the figurine with the second selected indicia without specific astrological indications;

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the figurine with the second selected indicia without specific astrological indications;

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view 6-6 from FIG. 3 of the figurine specifically showing the means for selectable audio recording disposed within the torso portion of the doll;

FIG. 7 shows a close up perspective view of the base and cover assembled in a assembled and locked state with the first selected indicia or selected photo disposed therebetween;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the cover, the first selected indicia or selected photo, and the base;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the cover;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the base;

FIG. 11 shows a front view of the cover;

FIG. 12 shows a front view of the base;

FIG. 13 shows cross section 13-13 from FIG. 7 detailing out the cover, first selected indicia or selected photo, and base;

FIG. 14 shows exploded view 14-14 from FIG. 13 detailing out the removable engagement between the cover outer periphery and the base surrounding sidewall opening, with the first selected indicia disposed therebetween;

FIG. 15 shows a close-up of the doll head portion with the tool being received into the key slot of the cover being prepared for separation of the cover and the base for removal/replacement of the first selected indicia or selected photo;

FIG. 16 shows a close-up of the doll head portion with the tool being used to effectuate separation of the cover and the base for removal/replacement of the first selected indicia or selected photo;

FIG. 17 shows a front view of the means for selectable audio recording of the audio module assembly;

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the means for selectable audio recording of the audio module assembly;

FIG. 19 shows a rear view of the means for selectable audio recording of the audio module assembly;

FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram of the power supply of the audio module assembly;

FIG. 21 shows a summary block diagram schematic of the audio module assembly;

FIG. 22 shows a first portion of the detailed diagram schematic of the audio module assembly; and

FIG. 23 shows a second portion of the detailed diagram schematic of the audio module assembly.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS

-   30 Figurine -   32 Doll -   34 Head portion of doll 32 -   36 Torso portion of doll 32 -   38 Base -   39 Bottom portion of base 38 -   40 Surrounding sidewall of base 38 -   41 Diameter of opening 42 -   42 Opening of surrounding sidewall 40 -   43 Distance or size of opening 42 of surrounding sidewall 40 -   44 First interior portion of base 38 -   46 First substantially planar selected indicia -   48 Selected picture/photo image -   50 Cover -   52 Outer peripheral portion of cover 50 -   53 Outer periphery of cover 50 -   54 Distance or size of outer periphery 53 of cover 50 -   55 Diameter of cover 50 -   56 Removable engagement of opening 42 and outer peripheral portion     52 -   58 First side of cover 50 -   59 Angle between tool 70 and first side 58 of the cover 50 -   60 Second side of cover 50 -   62 Substantially concave profile of cover 50 -   64 Second interior portion of cover 50 -   66 Assembled and locked state for base 38 and cover 50 -   68 Substantially rigid chamber for assembled 66 base 38 and cover 50 -   70 Tool -   72 Separation of base 38 and cover 50 into a disassembled and     unlocked state -   74 Remove and replace of the first selected indicia 46 or picture 48 -   76 Interference fit of removable engagement 56 -   78 Key slot in cover 50 -   80 Disengaging of cover 50 from base 38 by the tool 70 to disengage     removable engagement 56 -   82 Apertures therethrough in base 38 -   84 Stitching utilizing apertures 82 -   86 Selected second indicia -   88 Specific astrological indications -   90 Positioning the cover 50 second side 60 to face the selected     picture/photo image 48 -   92 Pressing the cover 50 toward the base 38 -   298 Means for a selectable audio recording -   300 Audio module assembly -   302 Housing for the audio module 300 -   304 Power supply for the audio module 300 -   305 Batteries for the power supply 304 -   306 Microphone for the audio module 300 -   308 Actuation control for the audio module 300 -   310 Mode selector switch for the audio module 300 -   312 Function selector switch for the audio module 300 -   314 Digital recorder integrated circuit IC chip for the audio module     300 -   316 LED indicator for the audio module 300 -   318 Output speaker for the audio module 300 -   320 Electrical communication for the power supply 304 -   322 Digital ground for the audio module 300 -   324 Analog ground for the audio module 300 -   326 Speaker positive (+) ground for the audio module 300 -   328 Speaker negative (−) ground for the audio module 300 -   330 1 kilo ohm resister for LED 316 -   332 0.1 micro farad capacitor to ground 322 for IC chip 314 reset -   334 Voltage supply for IC chip 314 and LED 316 -   336 Voltage supply for microphone 306 and IC chip 314 -   338 Voltage supply for speaker 318 and IC chip 314 -   340 0.1 micro farad capacitor for voltage supply 334 -   342 4.7 micro farad capacitor for voltage supply 334 -   344 0.1 micro farad capacitor for voltage supply 336 -   346 4.7 micro farad capacitor for voltage supply 336 -   348 0.1 micro farad capacitor for voltage supply 338 for speaker     positive (+) -   350 4.7 micro farad capacitor for voltage supply 338 for speaker     positive (+) -   352 0.1 micro farad capacitor for voltage supply 338 for speaker     negative (−) -   354 4.7 micro farad capacitor for voltage supply 338 for speaker     negative (−) -   356 8 kilo ohm resister for oscillator resister for IC chip 314     timing duration -   358 4.7 micro farad capacitor for microphone 306 gain (preamplifier) -   360 4.7 kilo ohm resister for voltage 336 control of the microphone     306 -   362 4.7 kilo ohm resister for voltage 336 control of the microphone     306 -   364 4.7 kilo ohm resister for voltage switch combination 308, 310,     and 312 controls to record pin 24 of the IC chip 314 to supply     microphone 306 power only when audio module assembly 300 is in     record mode to save power at other times -   366 4.7 micro farad capacitor voltage supply 336 to ground 324 -   368 0.1 micro farad capacitor between microphone 306 and mic + pin     10 on IC chip 314 -   370 0.1 micro farad capacitor microphone 306 and mic − pin 11 on IC     chip 314 -   400 Disposing of electronic audio module 300 in torso portion 36 -   402 Squeezing actuation/de-actuation control 308 exterior to the     torso portion 36 -   404 Removing the torso portion 36 from the electronic audio module     300

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1 shown is a front view of the figurine 30 in the form of a doll 32 with a second selected indicia 86 having specific astrological indications 88, FIG. 2 shows a side view of the figurine 30 with the second selected indicia 86 having specific astrological indications 88, and FIG. 3 shows a front view of the figurine 30 with a second selected indicia 86 without specific astrological indications 88. Further, continuing FIG. 4 shows a front view of the figurine 30 with the second selected indicia 86 without specific astrological indications 88, FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the figurine 30 with the second selected indicia 86 without specific astrological indications 88, and FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view 6-6 from FIG. 3 of the figurine 30 specifically showing the means 298 for selectable audio recording disposed within the torso portion 36 of the doll 32.

Next, FIG. 7 shows a close up perspective view of the base 38 and cover 50 assembled in a assembled and locked state 66 with the first selected indicia 46 or selected photo 48 disposed therebetween, FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the cover 50, the first selected indicia 46 or selected photo 48, and the base 38, and FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the cover 50. Moving onward, FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the base 38, FIG. 11 shows a front view of the cover 50, and FIG. 12 shows a front view of the base 38. Yet further, FIG. 13 shows cross section 13-13 from FIG. 7 detailing out the cover 50, the first selected indicia 46 or selected photo 48, and base 38, FIG. 14 shows exploded view 14-14 from FIG. 13 detailing out the removable engagement 56 between the cover 50 outer periphery 53 and the base 38 surrounding sidewall 40 opening 42, with the first selected indicia 46 disposed therebetween, and FIG. 15 shows a close-up of the doll 32 head portion 34 with the tool 70 being received into the key slot 78 of the cover 50 being prepared for separation or disengagement 80 of the cover 50 and the base 38 for removal/replacement 74 of the first selected indicia 46 or selected photo 48.

Continuing, FIG. 16 shows a close-up of the doll 32 head portion 34 with the tool 70 being used to effectuate separation or disengagement 80 of the cover 50 and the base 38 for removal/replacement 74 of the first selected indicia 46 or selected photo 48, FIG. 17 shows a front view of the means 298 for selectable audio recording of the audio module assembly 300, and FIG. 18 shows a side view of the means 298 for selectable audio recording of the audio module assembly 300. Further, FIG. 19 shows a rear view of the means 298 for selectable audio recording of the audio module assembly 300, FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram of the power supply 304 of the audio module assembly 300, and FIG. 21 shows a summary block diagram schematic of the audio module assembly 300. Next, FIG. 22 shows a first portion of the detailed diagram schematic of the audio module assembly 300 and FIG. 23 shows a second portion of the detailed diagram schematic of the audio module assembly 300.

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-16, the present invention of the figurine 30 that is capable of selectable personalization includes a doll 32 having a head portion 34 and a torso portion 36 and further includes a substantially rigid base 38 that is disposed adjacent to the head portion 34, with the base 38 including a surrounding sidewall 40 extending from a bottom portion 39 to an opening 42. The bottom portion 39 and sidewall 40 of the base 38 defining a first interior portion 44 that is sized and configured to receive a first substantially planar selected indicia 46, as detailed in FIGS. 8 and 13-17. Also included in the figurine 30 is a substantially rigid transparent cover 50 including an outer peripheral portion 52 or more specifically a outer periphery 53 that is adapted to be removably engaged 56 from the sidewall 40 opening 42. The cover 50 having a first side 58 and a second side 60, the second side 60 forming a substantially concave profile 62 to define a second interior portion 64, with the second side 60 adjacent to the base 38 when the outer peripheral portion 52 or more specifically the outer periphery 53 and the opening 42 are manually engaged 56.

The manual engagement 56 forming an assembled and locked state 66 for the base 38 and cover 50, wherein the first interior portion 44 and the second interior portion 64 form a substantially rigid chamber 68 for the first planar selected indicia 46 to be substantially protectively and securely displayed within the substantially rigid chamber 68, as best shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 13, and 14. The substantially rigid chamber 68 is sized and configured such that the first selected indicia 46 does not have to be attached to the base 38 or the cover 50 to help prevent damage to the selected indicia 46, as best shown in FIG. 14. As the removable engagement 56 between the base 38 opening 42 and the cover 50 peripheral portion 52 or cover 50 outer periphery 53 is operational to prevent unauthorized removal of the selected first indicia 46 from the substantially rigid chamber 68 by requiring an independent tool 70 to separate the base 38 and the cover 50 into a disassembled unlocked state 72 to remove or replace 74 the first selected indicia 46 to further enhance security of the assembled state 66, as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Furthermore the first selected indicia 46 can be a selected photograph 48, wherein the substantially rigid chamber 68 is sized and configured to accommodate the selected photograph 48 that is positioned to be displayed through said cover 50 as best shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 13, and 14, by allowing the selected photo 48 to loosely float within the chamber 68 so as to not damage the selected photo 48, by clamping or crimping upon it, in addition to not requiring any means for adhering the selected photo 48 to either the cover 50 to the base 38.

The preferred materials of construction for the doll 32 are a conventional fabric outer cover with a stuffing or filling that is non allergic and mold resistant as is typical for doll 32 construction materials. The preferred materials of construction for the base 38 can be a plastic that is either transparent or opaque, or any other material that is waterproof. The preferred materials for the cover 50 must of necessity be transparent and waterproof, however, outside of that any material would be acceptable. To further optionally have the selectable personalization the doll 32 could further comprise a selected second indicia 86 that is disposed adjacent to the torso portion 36 to further enhance the personalization effect of the figurine by initiating a theme such as selected specific astrological indications 88, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, however, other themes not related to astrology could be used also as shown in FIGS. 3-5.

Further to the removable engagement 56 it is preferred to be an interference fit 76, as best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, wherein the base 38 opening 42 has a periphery size 43, see FIG. 10, that is less than a cover 50 outer periphery size 54, see FIG. 9, when both the base 38 opening 42 and the cover 50 outer periphery 53 are in the disassembled unlocked state 72 as shown in FIGS. 8-12. Note that the amount of interference fit 76 which is the amount that the periphery size 43 is smaller than the periphery size 54 is dependent upon the materials used for the base 38 and cover 50, however, typically being about a 0.2% interference fit 76, wherein the cover 50 periphery distance 54 resulting in a diameter 55 that is about 0.2% (1.002 times) larger than the base 38 opening distance 43 resulting in a diameter 41, being for a typical transparent plastic material, however, as previously stated the amount of interference fit 76 could be less or more than 0.2% depending upon the materials used. The interference fit 76 is preferred due to there being no need for messy adhesives or other types of ancillary fasteners such as hook and loop type, snaps, elastics, and the like.

Continuing, the cover 50 outer peripheral portion 52 further includes a key slot 78, best shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11 that is sized and configured to receive the tool 70, as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, with the key slot 78 being operational to facilitate the tool 70 disengaging the removable engagement 56 to place the base 38 and the cover 50 into the disassembled unlocked state 72, again as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, thus facilitating the removal/replacement 74 of the first selected indicia 46 or selected photo 48. The tool 70 is preferably a small diameter rigid rod such as a small nail. Thus this removal/replacement 74 of the first selected indicia 46 or selected photo 48 has some level of security protecting against unauthorized removal of the selected photo for instance from the base 38 and cover 50 assembly 66, for example in the case of a small child not possessing the tool 70 it would be difficult for the child to remove the selected photo 48 and either damage it or lose it. The preferred method of placing the base 38 adjacent to the head portion 34 is accomplished by a plurality of apertures 82 in the base 38, best shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13 that are stitched 84 therethrough to the head portion 34, with the stitching best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

As an enhancing option to the selectable personalization the figurine 30 can further optionally comprise a means 298 for a selectable audio recording and playback to further enhance the personalization effect of said figurine by allowing a selected audio recording to be made and played back by a user of the figurine 30, best shown in FIGS. 17-23 for the means 298 for a selectable audio recording and playback and where the means 298 for selectable audio recording and playback is disposed within the torso portion 36 as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the means 298 for selectable audio recording and playback is preferably an electronic audio module 300, as best shown in FIGS. 17-23, wherein the electronic audio module 300 is preferably disposed 400 within the torso portion 36, as best shown in FIG. 6. In controlling the ability of a child for instance to playback only a selected audio recording versus the ability of the user to erase and re-record another selected audio recording, unique positioning of the electronic voice module 300 controls was designed such that the electronic audio module 300 is sized and configured such that an actuation/de-actuation control 308 is a larger high movement button, as best shown in FIGS. 6, 17, and 18, that is operable exterior 402 to the torso portion 36 by merely squeezing 402 the torso portion 36 for the purpose of audio playback operation as shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 21, and 22 for the electronic voice module 300 itself for the user operation 402 in FIG. 6.

Continuing in this same area, the electronic audio module 300 is sized and configured such that an erase control 310 and a record control 312 are only operable by removing the torso portion 404 from the audio module 300 housing 302 to further prevent inadvertent erase and re-record of prior the selected audio recording being made. This is accomplished by sizing and configuring the erase control 310 and the record control 312 to be small recessed controls disposed on the back of the housing 302 as best shown in FIG. 19, thus preventing inadvertent erasing or recording without intentionally removing the audio module 300, by at least exposing the housing back side as shown in FIG. 19 for the user to gain access to the controls 310 and 312, as best shown in FIG. 6, which incidentally allows use of control 308 through the torso portion 36.

Further in detailing out the specifics of the audio module 300 and in referring specifically to FIGS. 17-23 and in particular FIGS. 20-23, the audio module 300 includes a programmable integrated circuit chip 314, the actuation/de-actuation 308, erase 310, and record 312 controls, a microphone 306, a speaker 318, and a power supply 304 all contained within a common housing 302. The chip 314 is preferably a Winbond Electronics Corp. multi message single chip for voice record and playback devices model number ISD17120 or substantial equivalent as best shown in FIG. 22, further the programmable integrated circuit chip 314 is desirably capable of at least two hundred and forty (240) seconds selected audio record time, allowing for a more unique and personal audio message to be recorded than is usually available of this type of chip. The power supply is preferably a group of three (3) size AA batteries connected in series 305 providing power at voltage supply 334, 336, and 338 utilizing separate electrical communication lines to minimize electrical noise as indicated by electrical communication 320 as best shown in FIGS. 20, 22, and 23. In addition, to minimize the electrical noise the grounds 322, 324, 326, and 328 are also using separate electrical communication lines indicated by electrical communication 320 as best shown in FIG. 20, 22, and 23. Further, on the electrolet microphone 306 the actuation/de-actuation control 308 is designed to only have the ground power 324 in electrical communication with the microphone 306 when the microphone is needed for the record mode, thus saving battery 305 power when the microphone 306 is not needed, as best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The speaker 318 can be either an eight (8) or sixteen (16) ohm type with the LED 316 being of a conventional type for this application.

The figurine 30 can also be supplied in kit form that is capable of selectable personalization that includes a doll 32, the base 38, cover 50, tool 70, electronic audio module 300, and second selected indicia 86, all as previously described. The kit can also include a pattern sheet emphasize a particular theme especially related to the second selected indicia 86, the pattern sheet for example could mimic FIGS. 1 and 2 for showing placement and orientation for the second selected indicia 86 with an astrological theme 88 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, however, many other themes could exist for the second selected indicia 86 such as military, various holiday related, sports activities, careers, outer space, or any other interests that a particular individual may have. This also can be in conjunction with the selected audio recording that can for instance match the person in the selected photo 48, with this being where the set of operating instructions comes in to help give the user ideas on how to match the selected photo with the selected audio recording, i.e. a specific audio recording with a specific astrological sign. Also, a user could use their own photo 48 with the figurine 30 and have a recording of their choice to create a twin aspect of the figurine 30 to themselves.

METHOD OF USE

Referring in particular to FIGS. 1-8, and 13-19, a method for using a figurine 30 that is capable of selectable personalization is disclosed, comprising the steps of firstly providing a doll 32 including a head portion 34 and a torso portion 36, said doll also includes a substantially rigid base 38, a cover 50, an electronic audio module 300, a selected second indicia 86, a pattern sheet adapted to indicate a position of the selected second indicia 86 relative to the torso portion 36, a tool 70, and operating instructions for use of the tool and said electronic audio module all as previously described. Secondly, a step of grasping the tool 70, as best shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, and thirdly inserting the tool 70 into the key slot 78 and moving the tool 70 to be at an obtuse angle 59 in relation to the cover 50 first side 58, wherein the tool 70 is operational for placing the cover 50 and base 38 into the disassembled unlocked state 72, again as best shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

Continuing, a forth step of selecting a photo 48 and a fifth step of placing the photo 48 into the first interior portion 44 image side up, as best shown in FIG. 8, next a sixth step of grasping the cover 50 and a seventh step of positioning the cover 50 second side 60 to face the photo 48 image side, again as best shown in FIG. 8. Further, an eighth step of pressing the cover 50 manually toward the base 38 such that the cover 50 outer peripheral portion 52 or more specifically the cover outer periphery 53 engages 56 the base 38 opening 42 forming an assembled and locked state 66 for the base 38 and the cover 50, resulting in the selected photo 48 being operationally protectively and securely displayed through said cover 50, as best shown in FIG. 7.

Next, on the ninth step of removing the torso portion 404 from around electronic audio module 300 housing 302 for access to said actuation/de-actuation 308, record 312, and erase 310 controls, in initially referring to FIG. 6 for removal of the audio module 300 from the torso portion 36, then referring to FIGS. 17-19 for placement and operation of the controls 308, 310, and 312 in relation to the housing 304, in also referring to the schematics in FIGS. 21-23. Next, a tenth step of moving the erase control 310 to off, the record control 312 to record, actuating the actuation control 308 and a eleven step of speaking into the microphone 306 to make an audio recording for up to about two hundred and forty (240) seconds and then de-actuating said actuation/de-actuation control 308 and moving the record control 312 to a play position.

An optional further step of sizing the selected photo 48 to be received in the first interior portion 44 by using the cover 50 outer peripheral portion 52 or periphery 53, in other words the diameter 55, see FIG. 11, as a template, wherein the photo 48 is sized at about a one-eighth (⅛) inch less that the outer periphery 53, such that the photo resides in the chamber 68 as best shown in FIG. 14. Further optionally, wherein the second step through the eighth step are sequentially repeated to replace the selected photo with another selected photo. In addition, an optional further step of confirming the audio recording by actuating the actuation/de-actuation control 308 and listening to the audio recording playback through the speaker 318. Continuing, a further optional series of steps of moving the erase control 310 to on and actuating the actuation/de-actuation control 308 and then sequentially repeating the ninth step through eleventh step to record a new selected audio recording.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the present invention of a figurine with selectable audio and visual elements 30 has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiment(s) of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though; that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein. 

1. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization, comprising: (a) a doll including a head portion and a torso portion; (b) a substantially rigid base that is disposed adjacent to said head portion, said base including a surrounding sidewall extending from a bottom portion to an opening, said bottom portion and sidewall defining a first interior portion of said base that is sized and configured to receive a first substantially planar selected indicia; and (c) a substantially rigid transparent cover including an outer peripheral portion that is adapted to be removably engaged from said sidewall opening, said cover having a first side and a second side, said second side forming a substantially concave profile to define a second interior portion, with said second side adjacent to said base when said outer peripheral portion and said opening are manually engaged forming an assembled and locked state for said base and cover, wherein said first interior portion and said second interior portion form a substantially rigid chamber for the first planar selected indicia to be substantially protectively and securely displayed within said substantially rigid chamber, said substantially rigid chamber is sized and configured such that the first selected indicia does not have to be attached to said base or said cover to help prevent damage to the selected indicia, as said removable engagement between said base opening and said cover peripheral portion is operational to prevent unauthorized removal of the selected first indicia from said substantially rigid chamber by requiring an independent tool to separate said base and said cover into a disassembled unlocked state to remove or replace the first selected indicia to further enhance security of said assembled state.
 2. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 1 wherein said removable engagement is an interference fit wherein said base opening has a periphery size that is less than a cover outer periphery size when both said base opening and said cover outer periphery are in said disassembled unlocked state.
 3. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 1 wherein said cover outer peripheral portion further includes a key slot that is sized and configured to receive said tool, said key slot is operational to facilitate said tool disengaging said removable engagement to place said base and said cover into said disassembled unlocked state.
 4. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 1 wherein said base being disposed adjacent to said head portion is accomplished by a plurality of apertures in said base that are stitched therethrough to said head portion.
 5. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 1 wherein said substantially rigid chamber is also sized and configured such that selected first indicia is a selected photograph that is positioned to be displayed through said cover.
 6. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 1 further comprising a means for a selectable audio recording and playback to further enhance the personalization effect of said figurine.
 7. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 6 wherein said means for a selectable audio recording and playback is constructed of an electronic audio module that is disposed within said torso portion.
 8. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 7 wherein said electronic audio module is sized and configured such that an actuation/de-actuation control is operable exterior to said torso portion by merely squeezing said torso portion for the purpose of audio playback operation.
 9. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 8 wherein said electronic audio module is sized and configured such that an erase control and a record control are only operable by removing said torso portion from said audio module to further prevent inadvertent erase and re-record of prior said selected audio recording.
 10. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 9 wherein said electronic audio module is constructed of circuitry that includes a programmable integrated circuit chip, said actuation/de-actuation, erase, and record controls, a microphone, a speaker, and a power supply all contained within a common housing.
 11. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 10 wherein said programmable integrated circuit chip is capable of at least two hundred and forty (240) seconds selected audio record time.
 12. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 1 further comprising a selected second indicia that is disposed adjacent to said torso portion to further enhance the personalization effect of said figurine.
 13. A figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 12 wherein said selected second indicia is in the form of specific astrological indications.
 14. A kit for a figurine that is capable of selectable personalization, comprising: (a) a doll including a head portion and a torso portion; (b) a substantially rigid base that is disposed adjacent to said head portion, said base including a surrounding sidewall extending from a bottom portion to an opening, said bottom portion and sidewall of said base defining a first interior portion that is sized and configured to receive a first substantially planar selected indicia; (c) a substantially rigid transparent cover including an outer peripheral portion that is adapted to be removably engaged from said sidewall opening, said cover outer peripheral portion includes a key slot, said cover having a first side and a second side, said second side forming a substantially concave profile to define a second interior portion, with said second side adjacent to said base when said outer peripheral portion and said opening are manually engaged forming an assembled and locked state for said base and cover, wherein said first interior portion and said second interior portion form a substantially rigid chamber for the first planar selected indicia to be substantially protectively and securely displayed within said substantially rigid chamber, said substantially rigid chamber is sized and configured such that the first selected indicia does not have to be attached to said base or said cover to help prevent damage to the selected indicia, as said removable engagement between said base opening and said cover peripheral portion is operational to prevent unauthorized removal of the selected first indicia from said substantially rigid chamber by requiring an independent tool to separate said base and said cover into a disassembled unlocked state to remove or replace the first selected indicia to further enhance security of said assembled state; (d) an electronic audio module that is disposed within said torso portion, said electronic audio module is sized and configured such that an actuation/de-actuation control is operable exterior to said torso portion by merely squeezing said torso portion for the purpose of audio playback operation, wherein an erase control and a record control are only operable by removing said torso portion from said audio module to further prevent inadvertent erase and re-record of prior said selected audio recording, said electronic audio module is constructed of circuitry that includes a programmable integrated circuit chip, said actuation/de-actuation, erase, and record controls, a microphone, a speaker, and a power supply all contained within a common housing, wherein said programmable integrated circuit chip is capable of at least two hundred and forty (240) seconds selected audio record time; (e) a selected second indicia that is disposed adjacent to said torso portion to further enhance the personalization effect of said figurine; (f) a pattern sheet adapted to indicate a position of said selected second indicia relative to said torso portion; (g) a tool that is received in said key slot and is operational for placing said cover and base into said disassembled unlocked state; and (h) a set of operating instructions for use of said tool and said electronic audio module.
 15. A method for using a figurine that is capable of selectable personalization, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a doll including a head portion and a torso portion, said doll also includes a substantially rigid base that is disposed adjacent to said head portion, said base including a surrounding sidewall extending from a bottom portion to an opening, said bottom portion and sidewall of said base defining a first interior portion that is sized and configured to receive a first substantially planar selected indicia, said doll also includes a substantially rigid transparent cover including an outer peripheral portion that is adapted to be removably engaged from said sidewall opening, said cover outer peripheral portion includes a key slot, said cover having a first side and a second side, said second side forming a substantially concave profile to define a second interior portion, with said second side adjacent to said base when said outer peripheral portion and said opening are manually engaged forming an assembled and locked state for said base and cover, wherein said first interior portion and said second interior portion form a substantially rigid chamber for the first planar selected indicia to be substantially protectively and securely displayed within said substantially rigid chamber, said substantially rigid chamber is sized and configured such that the first selected indicia does not have to be attached to said base or said cover to help prevent damage to the selected indicia, as said removable engagement between said base opening and said cover peripheral portion is operational to prevent unauthorized removal of the selected first indicia from said substantially rigid chamber by requiring an independent tool to separate said base and said cover into a disassembled unlocked state to remove or replace the first selected indicia to further enhance security of said assembled state, said doll also includes an electronic audio module that is disposed within said torso portion, said electronic audio module is sized and configured such that an actuation/de-actuation control is operable exterior to said torso portion by merely squeezing said torso portion for the purpose of audio playback operation, wherein an erase control and a record control are only operable by removing said torso portion from said audio module to further prevent inadvertent erase and re-record of prior said selected audio recording, said electronic audio module is constructed of circuitry that includes a programmable integrated circuit chip, said actuation/de-actuation, erase, and record controls, a microphone, a speaker, and a power supply all contained within a common housing, wherein said programmable integrated circuit chip is capable of at least two hundred and forty (240) seconds selected audio record time, said doll further includes a selected second indicia that is disposed adjacent to said torso portion to further enhance the personalization effect of said figurine, a pattern sheet adapted to indicate a position of said selected second indicia relative to said torso portion, a tool for placing said cover and base into said disassembled unlocked state and operating instructions for use of said tool and said electronic audio module; (b) grasping said tool; (c) inserting said tool into said key slot and moving said tool to be at an obtuse angle in relation to said cover first side, wherein said tool is operational for placing said cover and base into said disassembled unlocked state; and (d) selecting a photo; (e) placing the photo into said first interior portion image side up; (f) grasping said cover; (g) positioning said cover second side to face the photo image side; (h) pressing said cover manually toward said base such that said cover outer peripheral portion engages said base opening forming an assembled and locked state for said base and said cover, resulting in the selected photo being operationally protectively and securely displayed through said cover; (i) removing said torso portion from around electronic audio module for access to said actuation/de-actuation, record, and erase controls; (j) moving said erase control to off, said record control to record, actuating said actuation control; and (k) speaking into said microphone to make an audio recording for up to about two hundred and forty (240) seconds and then de-actuating said actuation/de-actuation control and moving said record control to a play position.
 16. A method for using a figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 15 further comprising a step of sizing the selected photo to be received in said first interior portion by using said cover outer peripheral portion as a template, wherein the photo is sized at about a one-eighth (⅛) inch less that said outer periphery.
 17. A method for using a figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 15 wherein steps b through h are sequentially repeated to replace the selected photo with another selected photo.
 18. A method for using a figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 15 further comprising a step of confirming said audio recording by actuating said actuation/de-actuation control and listening to said audio recording playback through said speaker.
 19. A method for using a figurine that is capable of selectable personalization according to claim 18 further comprising steps of moving said erase control to on and actuating said actuation/de-actuation control and then sequentially repeating said steps I through k to record a new selected audio recording. 